Chelsea claimed to choose Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a substitute for Thibaut Courtois if the Belgian goalkeeper moved to Real Madrid.
Earlier this week the name of Kasper Schmeichel and Jack Butland was widely rumored to be the main choice of substitute Courtois. But, Sky Sports claims Chelsea have changed their target.
Pickford are reported to have beaten Schmeichel and Butland and are on top of Chelsea’s target of purchase. The 24-year-old goalkeeper’s appearance in the 2018 World Cup with England made Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri want to brought him.
The goalkeeper has just been trusted as the main goalkeeper of England in the 2018 World Cup. He outperformed other young goalkeepers like Jack Butland and Nick Pope. Pickford himself answered Gareth Southgate’s trusted in him. Thanks to his formidable performance he succeeded in bringing England into fourth place of World Cup 2018.
Chelsea have to work hard to convince Everton to release Pickford. Because the former Sunderland player is the best player Everton owned today.
Last season Pickford clinched Everton’s top choice players and supporters. Pickford bought by Everton from Sunderland for £ 30 million transfer in 2017.
There are two reasons why Everton is reluctant to sell Pickford. Firstly, Pickford’s has just one year defending The Toffees, where last season he just imported from Sunderland. The second reason, Everton saw Pickford as a valuable asset. As a result, they prefer to keep the goalkeeper rather than selling him this summer.
Courtois himself is rumored to have received permission to leave Stamford Bridge. The 26-year-old goalkeeper has a one-year contract left with Chelsea and is believed to be rejecting a new contract offer.
Chelsea had no choice but to sell Courtois. If not selling Courtois this season then the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper could leave Chelsea on a free transfer next season.
Courtois is scheduled to rejoin the Chelsea squad on Monday (30/7). Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is rumored to be still trying to persuade Courtois to extend his contract with the Blues.
Courtois is not the only Chelsea player who is being linked with a move to Madrid. Winger Eden Hazard also became the main shoot of Los Blancos to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.